Bonding with my bunny

[superfrogpoke]

So I got Justin about 2 months ago, as a 6 month old Cinnamon/English that was brought into a shelter. The previous owner described him as a "snuggler". He was neutered while at the shelter. I brought him home and after deliberation bunny proofed my bedroom completely and after a few days basically let him have free reign. For the first few days he didn't mind being picked up and let us cuddle him all the time, but after he got a taste of freedom, he seemed to become more aloof and now he HATES being picked up. He will still be somewhat social with me, he comes up to me to rub noses or play, and likes to sleep at the end of my bed at night, but he goes nuts when I try to pick him up and spends a lot of his time either sleeping in a closed off corner or running around like a mad bunny (which is pretty adorable). I don't need him to be a 24/7 cuddlemonster, but I'm afraid that I won't be able to groom him or do necessary health checks, he has a tendency to scratch and kick with his back legs when he is picked up - and he is STRONG. Anyone have any advice? I keep trying to lure him into my lap with treats, but he is very stubborn.

 

[StitchLover]

When you got him he might still have been under the effects of the surgery and was subdued so you were able to pick him up. It sounds like a bonding issue. He's fearful of being picked up because he doesn't yet trust you. The treat idea was a nice shot but try sitting at his level and ignoring him by watching tv or reading. He will eventually get curious enough to investigate and once you are bonded you shold be able to pick him up. If not, he might not like it.

 

[ZRabbits]

Welcome to RO!

Being a "snuggler" with someone, doesn't always make it so with you. It takes time for them to trust.

Rachel gave some good advise. And you can learn to groom him on your lap. It takes time and patience.

Wishing you luck!

K

 

[LakeCondo]

Too much space can bring out the wild in some rabbits, but so can getting more mature. I'd consider getting an xpen to restrict his movements somewhat. And you don't have to pick him up to groom him; just hold him in place with one hand & groom with the other.

 

[saidinjester]

When I first got my bunny I spent hours lying on the floor of the bathroom reading books, listening to music, whatever. Basically just ignoring the bunny and letting him hop around. He started off spending most of the time hopping away from me, but he got more and more curious, started hopping on my legs, over my back, etc. I'd also put a pile of parsley near me, or a carrot or broccoli... Did that for hours at a time, for several weeks. Now he's got an xpen in my bedroom, but when I'm home, he's loose in my bedroom. A lot of the time, he does his own thing, but he always comes by for pets, or hops onto my lap/chest/back to chill for a while before hopping away to do his own thing. It just takes time to build the trust.